I consider myself an advocate of house churches, but I have long been perplexed by books, blog posts, and statements that claim an identifying mark of a house church is having “no pastor” or no leader.

Usually the flip side of that coin is often explained as “the priesthood of all believers” and everyone in the house church is involved.

This is puzzling to me because according to the Bible in Ephesians 4:11-12 it was God’s idea to have pastors in His church. I don’t understand how having a pastor contradicts “the priesthood of all believers” and everyone in the house church not being involved. As I read through the epistles of Paul and John, the practice of pastors among the churches – house churches – was the present ministry of pastors. So, I am seeking to sincerely understand.

I suspect that most of these “no pastor” claims are rooted in a wrongful understanding of the pastoral calling, negative impact with a clergyman, or an assumption that an individual respected and acknowledged as a “pastors” posses some type of ill-intention.

Here’s where I need some help.

If you are one who advocates for “no pastor” in your house, organic, or simple church, please help me understand why.

I want to understand the reasoning behind the “no pastor” in a house church thinking and would very much appreciate it if you would Contact Me with a brief explanation on your “no pastor” position.

Thanks!

At my Contact page you can either use an email form or email me direct.